I have been checking out prospects but am far from an expert. Wondering if anyone can give me any feedback on the following players as to whether they would be a good fit for the Raiders and what round they would likely be picked in.

And i'm no expert either. I actually like Gilbert for us in the 3rd. I'd rather get Orlando Franklin but if he's gone, Gilbert would be a good option. Both are huge, strong guys but seem athletic enough to fit any scheme. Gilbert might actually be more athletic.

I love Andrew Datko at LT. 6'6, 305 of almost pure muscle. Has great footwork and technique, probably one of the only good LT prospects in the draft. Know as a leader at FSU as-well. Three seasons starting at LT also helps him some. He might not declare though, which makes sense as he should be a first round pick next year. Great prospect though._________________

He has only 2 years of experience at CB, was a RB before that, so he needs a bit of polishing on his skills. Played in a mostly bump and run D. Should have good numbers at the combine (around 4.4). Looks like the kind of project Al davis would draft. He'll be at the Senior Bowl, so look out for him during the week.

Now that the Raider's roster is essentially set and college football is about to begin, this is an early (way early!) look at future Raiders. I love mocks because I'm always introduced to players that I may have missed and enjoy watching them progress and dream about their contributions to the Raiders. Here are some of my favorite prospects:

Round One

• Vontaze Burfict l OLB l Arizona State l ht: 6’3” l wt: 252lbs l 40: 4.67
Although Burfict doesn’t appear to be a physical specimen with his shirt off, Burfict possesses uncanny football instincts and vicious closing speed. A fiery emotional leader Burfict does have a tendency to play out of control to the point of hurting his team. Questions about his ability to play in control should put Burfict within the Raiders draft range. Prototypical Raider size/speed ratio in a 250lb+ package with California ties makes Burfict an easy sale to fans and his persona makes Burfict a perfect Raider. This acquisition not only continues to make the Raiders front 7 one of the heaviest in the league but also makes Goethel a quality backup at all 3 LB spots.
Outlook: Replacing 2012 Free Agent OLB Quentin Groves ( 27yrs old)Alternative Pick(s): QB Luck, Landry, Barkley, CB Morris Claiborne or Dre Kirkpatrick

Round Two (TRADE )
I don’t want to project exactly how this trade will happen as any suggested offer will be deemed unrealistic. Rather, I think the Raiders will definitely be looking at a QB late 1st – middle 2nd.

• Dayne Crist l QB l Notre Dame l ht: 6’4” l wt: 235lbs l 40: 4.68
Coming out of high school Crist was ranked higher than Andrew Luck. In an upset, Crist signs with Notre Dame over a number of West coast schools specifically to be under the tutelage of Charlie Weiss who has a reputation of developing NFL ready prospects. Weiss is fired and a couple of knee injuries later and Crist is not as highly heralded. Crist possesses an excellent mix of size, mobility, and experience in a pro-set. Despite Crist’s experience in a Pro-set he will be characterized as spread-option system QB when he finds success in Brain Kelly’s spread offense this season. Although Crist will need to tweak his accuracy it doesn’t need major work. The Raiders will attempt to capitalize on the unfortunate set of circumstances that have beaten down Crist’s stock. HueJax will fall in love with Crist’s prototypical NFL size and leadership skills but will wait until the 2nd to maximize the value of this pick.
Why this will FINALLY work:
o Continuity: HueJax has the rare combination of deference to Al Davis & energy to remain in Raider Nation long enough to see the development of a rookie QB through
o Protection: The #1 reason rookie QBs fail is shell-shock. Somehow the Raiders will acquire a premium OT to form mammoth bookends to protect a rookie QB’s flanks.
o Top TE – More and more I am starting to take to the idea of Kevin Boss as the outlet for a QB trying to become acclimated to NFL coverages. Boss’ run blocking ability will allow him to stay on the field more often as an extra blocking OT in heavy packages.
o Strong running game – HueJax maintains that he wants to build a “bully”. A physically imposing OL built around a running a strong running game will shelter the Raiders new signal caller. Not being the 1st option offensively will allow the Raiders rookie QB to use play action to loosen up NFL secondarys.
Outlook: Replacing: 2012 Free Agent QB Jason Campbell (30 yrs old) Alternative Pick(s): Possible trade with 49ers for QB Colin Kaepernick (if the 49ers are in position to draft Luck) or SD QB Lindley

• Josh Gordon l WR l Baylor l ht: 6’3” l wt: 220lbs l 40: 4.43
Gordon, who has prototypical Raider size/speed ratio, has recently been suspended indefinitely by Baylor for violating unspecified team rules. Eventually, Gordon will find a Div II school to finish out his college career before entering the draft. Character concerns will chase away many of his suitors as he is a multiple offender. However, there is a point where value exceeds risk and taking a 5th round flier on Gordon becomes well worth the risk. Gordon’s plummeting stock and dismissal from Baylor will be the wake-up call he needs to mature.
Outlook: Replacing 2012 Free Agent WR Chaz Schilens (26 yrs old)

• Mikhail Marinovich l DE l Syracuse l ht: 6’4” l wt: 245lbs l 40: 4.69
His father played for the Raiders, his brother played for the Raiders, so to shall Mikhail play for the Raiders. The sense of legacy will be too strong for Mr. Davis to pass up.
Outlook: Replacing 2012 Free Agent DE Trevor Scott_________________

Nodisrespect wrote:

(on building inside out) teams without highly draft DT's make the playoffs and win the superbowl regularly.

Bonez wrote:

Teams that win Superbowls and make the playoffs aren't picking in the Top 5, clearly

Not sure if he going to come out this year, if so I wouldnt spend the 1st on him, but if he comes out the following year, what are thoughts on ASU QB Brock Osweiler with a 3rd or 4th Pick_________________Recipe for a playoff birth.
Win all of the games you should, Win half the games you shouldn't.

I'm absolutely shocked my favorite college prospect Alabama OL Barrett Jones returned to school. I'm not surprised Osweiler came out. I think he will develop into an excellent career backup similar to TJ Yates or Tui._________________

Nodisrespect wrote:

(on building inside out) teams without highly draft DT's make the playoffs and win the superbowl regularly.

Bonez wrote:

Teams that win Superbowls and make the playoffs aren't picking in the Top 5, clearly

I'm going to put this here. Brockers might be the best value in the upcoming draft and my latest favorite prospect. Initially he was projected as a 2nd rounder and has immediately shot up to a top 15 selection. The Raiders have NO shot at this guy. Brockers could easily be a cornerstone 3-4 DE._________________

Nodisrespect wrote:

(on building inside out) teams without highly draft DT's make the playoffs and win the superbowl regularly.

Bonez wrote:

Teams that win Superbowls and make the playoffs aren't picking in the Top 5, clearly

Alabama NT Josh Chapman played the final eight games of his senior season with a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee.

"Dr. (Lyle) Cain said he's never seen a guy that can have a torn ACL and still stay that stable," explained Chapman. The 2011 second-team All-SEC pick and Senior Bowl invitee finally underwent reconstructive surgery on Tuesday and will probably begin his rookie career on the PUP list. Chapman still intends to do the bench press at the Combine and interview with teams.

Thats pretty impressive. I have watched Champman extensively at Bama and I honestly believe that this guy will be one of the top 3-4 NTs in the NFL. The injury will probably hurt his draft stock. I hope we can land this guy in the fourth or fifth round and let him heal up before we unleash him.

Note I think he could be an excellent DT in a 4-3 as well, but he wouldnt put up flashy numbers. I want this guy regardless of what scheme we run next season._________________

I'm going to start randomly listing and giving information about 2013 prospects I feel that will be possible positions of need (CB, S, OT, TE, RB, LB, QB) and guys that I can see the Raiders going after. I'll list players projected to go anywhere from round 1 to round 7.

Jonathan banks, CB Mississippi State

6-1 188
Senior
4.52
Projected round: 1-2

Quote:

Jonathan Banks*, Mississippi State, CB (6-1, 185): Banks doesn't receive the national fanfare of his SEC brethren, but his game is certainly on par with his counterparts. He is silky smooth in coverage, displays exceptional ball awareness and is a legitimate playmaker in the clutch. Factor in his underrated blitz skills, and there is a lot to like about Banks' game.

Quote:

#13 CB Jonathan Banks, Mississippi State - Long lean frame, with long arms. Perfect build for a CB - Active in run support, doesn’t shy away from contact - Struggled to get off block, which lead to rushing TD - Rarely is thrown at, WF very cognisant of where he is at all times - Good timing on the CB blitz, aggresive at the LOS - Has played in mostly as zone today, but has the ability to play all coverages

Banks is a very good coverage corner. He basically shut down one side of the field against Wake Forest. He has very good size and length for a CB, something valued Tachighly by NFL scouts right now. One of the most active CB in run support I have seen this year. Banks is a versatile CB who is used on blitzes. I think Banks could excel in press man, off and zone coverages. It will be interesting to compare him to Vanderbilt CB Casey Hayward who I am scouting next game.

If Banks declares he is firmly in the second round with the ability to move up the board. Certainly his combination of size, speed and the ability to return kicks will be highly attractive to the NFL.